I've been talking about a shift to 3-4 being the best for the returning DL+LBs, but my opinion isn't worth the screen it's typed on... which, now that I think about it.... makes me think my opinion is worth $1000 (MacBook Pro).

ST... by you speaking of a possible shift to a 3-4... does that mean there's going to be a change in defensive leadership?

UCLA just did what it had to do to ensure their program remains on an upward trajectory... They extended Coach Mora Jr to a lengthy extension to ensure UW doesn't take him away, approved increase in assitant coach pay to help keep them at UCLA, and committed to improving facilities.

Wonder if they had UH in mind and the possible downfall of they don't take care of their coach and program.

11. O line competition will be very interesting... Coaches seem real high on Waa and Dejon Allen. Considering both are guards, I'm thinking only 1 starts. Kody Afusia was probably the best linemen this past year I thought. But that's just my opinion. I used to think he was awful so I've come a long ways to like him. Tupai has a chance to take over Milovale.

For the 1st time in a long time, I'm thinking the O line is the heart of the team next year..

The line of recruits gets more impressive each year. I give Chow and his staff credit for that but if they cannot coach effectively than these are nothing but PAPER ROSES. You know I don't blame Chow for the results of the entire year 2011. Neither do I blame him for losses to USC and Oregon State this year. But the team's overall play the rest of this year left much to be desired. Maybe he is really too old for this.

Getting Tigi Hill will be huge for the secondary, hopefully he qualifies! Ammon Barker and Quinton Pedroza are going to be huge additions to next years WR corp with Gant and Stutzman graduating. Getting Julian Gener back is also huge, Gener has proven he is a game changer talent at LB early this season. I'm interested to see Castro in action. The O line looks good for next season.

I thought the weakest part of our D was the back end. Not enough speed and size. Pass coverage was average but run support was below average. Didn't think we had enough athleticism in that unit to effectively play the amount of nickle packages MWC offenses force you to play.

#30 great question. He looks bigger this year. He made some aggressive mistakes on ST. I hope he can get some p/t in the LB corp. I liked his aggressiveness in HS. Hopefully he can channel that at this level where there's a lot more sophistication to schemes.

double trips or 33 or coco--You hit that on the head. Our DB play was for the most part, the single biggest area that is in need of improvement. Corners, lack either elite speed, or make-up quickness, they were consistently exploited on many big plays, that could have been contained for marginal gains. Safeties, often played either out of assigned coverage, and/or took bad angles for areas of responsibility. I think, from my own vantage, the safeties have sufficient athleticism from our safeties--what they lack is more related to not understanding the nuance and/or objective of the scheme.

One need only look at fellows like Rich Miano or Blaine Gaison, while both had undervalued athleticism, there were not Earl Thomas or Ed Reed in his prime. What they did do, is totally understand all the responsibilities of all the defensive packages and sub-packages, and were very sure and physical tacklers.

If your backend is solid, it allows you so much more latitude and creativity in the rest of your scheme. This is job 1 for me....

Contrary to what a few bloggers think, the base defense used this year was a 3-5-3 NOT 4 or even front. The 3 front is better suited to personnel where you have a dominant 2 gap NG, which UH does not have. We have personnel better suited for a 4 front, witness Kennedy's penetratration thru the A gaps in the Army game.

Time and again, we got killed off of the 3 front because we got no pass rush, & we had Gs uncovered & pulling at will or in the face of the LBs in the run game (ex. SDS scoring on 3 straight run plays in the OT period).

Also, the over-reliance on man coverage on almost every down had WRs & RBs running open & free as the wind.

Next year, mix the fronts & coverages, take advantage of what our personnel can do best & we'll be in much better shape defensively.

I would agree with you that the back end of the defense was struggling. But when the 2 big boys went down with the injury bug throughout the season (Samia and Matagiese) it really hurts the line play and the backers and safties had to step up to assist in stopping the run. Next season Samia, Kennedy, Malepeai and Friel all have game experience and has to replace Matagiese at DT/NT. Maybe Hawaii can get some help on the D line from transfers or JC recruits.

boola. In my mind Rich Miano was the best missionary style tackler I've seen at UH. He was so fundamentally sound as a tackler they could've made a "how to" video of his highlights. He never seemed to give up YAC and like in true missionary fashion always ended up on top with the ball carrier on his back.

Yes, Rich was very sound in the old school, of chesting up, bringing your hips, and going through the runner/receiver. And that takes much practice as well as relegating your ego, to not trying to take "knock-out" hits which seems to be the vogue of this generation. Also, having played with these guys, so I am more than slightly biased, but tackling was a source of pride in that era, so it may be a generational thing....

I think Taylor Graham and Ikaika Woosley will step it up next season. Both have game reps and know the offense well. I would be surprised if a JC/Transfer/High School QB comes in and starts against Washington.

Oh, this is a little side-note on big corners. I will say this; they are the most rarest of creatures, ask the gurus on our board like FUHA and such, and although everyone would want to have a Richard Sherman, they are like blue diamonds. Part of the problem is that taller guys need to have two essential traits to be successful: one, they need to be fluid and flexible in their hips; and two, they need to be able to downshift into top gear very quickly, which is very difficult to do for longer fellows.

Conversely, if you have a guy that has those elements, coupled with some hand strength at the line of scrimmage, you can really jack up the number 1 and 2 receivers. Mark Haynes is a great example of this type of player. During my era at UH, Fred Hemphill, for those going way back in the day, was of this prototype. Fred certainly had all the tangible physical skills to play on Sundays (he was drafted in the USFL, great feet, and really good quickness for someone 6-3) but did not like the weight-room, and had other interests, e.g. acting and going to Cillys, Bobby McGees and the Wave late night.....but, those stories are for another time.

I say that because not many of us thought Sean Schroeder should have started at anytime this season and he proved all of us wrong. So I'm not counting out the QB's Taylor Graham or Ikaika Woolsey next season.

ST: do you or anyone else know of a fund being set up on behalf of Wilson's family so people can donate monies to help the family defray expenses from their unexpected loss? I emailed Ben Jay a few days ago regarding this question but so far havn't received any response from the high makamaka.

One good thing about our coaching staff is they'll all be a year wiser going into next season. I just hope Chow has learned how to delegate the small things and not get caught up in what snacks to have at practice or choreographing the teams entrance on game day. Leave the travel itineraries and what should be on the back of jerseys to someone else. The team doesn't need for him to win for a third straight year the Lokelani Lindsey micro manager of the year award.

boola....#42....I call that the ESPN effect. All the kids now want to get that ESPN top ten hit. You see it all over college ball now days. When I was playing ball, we always worked on proper tackling technique...and if we went for the big hit only, we'd be doing laps....LOL

Boola - I remember Fred Hemphill back in the day, I remember him doing a Michael Jackson impersonation for the team talent contest or something. I remember him having height and good catchup speed but wasn't he around a buck 60 lbs at most? I remember one of the coaches (Tomey?) back then said they would never let someone like Fred go through the program again and not get the proper training (i.e. pump some iron).

65. 808WarriorFan. As someone who does hiring and firing for my office, I have to say that letting someone go, especially someone well-liked, is one of the hardest aspects of my job. It's really easy to talk about firing someone, but much different when you're the one pulling the trigger. I'm not saying Kaumeyer should stay, I'm just saying that this will be a really difficult decision for Coach Chow.

58... I doubt Deruyter goes to UW. My UW friends say that UW is looking to hire from one of their own (either alumni or current staff). I don't think UW goes outside their circles unless they absolutely have to.

Will be interesting to see which direction Wyoming goes after canning their big money coach. Will they go cheap after getting stung by an unsuccessful high dollar coach (like UH)? or will they pony up (no pun intended) for another hot coordinator/established coach?

RE: Deruyter from Fresno... I think he would be a good fit at Mississippi St should Mullen get fired. To their credit, the SEC is starting to modernize their offenses and points are coming easier. Deruyter would presumable inject some excitement in the MSU fanbase. BUT it's the SEC, where fans are wacko and boosters even more wacko. Not sure if Deruyter would want that kind of job pressure at a perennial bottom feeder SEC team unless he's very well compensated.

I don't think there are any Pac12 jobs that will be available for Deruyter.

The one interesting spot Deruyter could end up is SMU if: 1. JJ resigns or is fired; 2. If SMU is willing to pony up (pun intended) $1.5 million for Deruyter. 3. If SMU wants to keep a variation of the spread offense as the roster is already geared for it.

I don't think Fresno can come close to matching $1.5 Million should that situation come up.

68--Yes, Wags and Dick had big plans for Freddie. Unfortunately, Freddie had other plans, including: one, avoid weight room; two, constantly bicker and egg-on with Wags in DB meetings; three, never gain any weight pass 175 pounds, and four, and most importantly, go clubbing at least 4-5 days a week.

Don't get me wrong, I love me some Fred, but he wasn't into the regime part of football.

77..Not sure if that would ever occur. As I recall, some of my legal beagle buddies worked on his settlement in 2005, and as I recall, it went for a cool 4.7 million. UW BOR were very taken back on how smug and glib he was post-settlement. Rick is no doubt a charming coach and great recruiter, but has burned bridges, and gotten rich in the process, everywhere he was a HC.

77. Agree with Boola. The book "Scoreboard Baby," is an expose of the UW team during the Neuheisel era. Academic cheating, felonies (rape, etc.) covered up & unethical recruiting practices were documented during his regime. Do you remember the football pool debacle? I think he is persona non grata at UW.

That is a good point, through the years, we have lost many a local talent, who failed to actually make it to UH. The guys that really want to play, especially in this day and age, and the resources available, are going to find a way. I guess, it's like anything else in life....

Word on the street is that athletically, Tigi Hill is from another stratosphere. Would be sad if he only gets to display his talent up to the JC level. Of course I'm sure all of us have a story or two about guys that we grew up with who had great talent, but no grades. It's unfortunate.

Oh, the one local name that I have not seen in the conversation about potential future coaches (and I am just playing the game, as Norm is here until 2015) is teammate Brian Norwood. Has local ties, super nice guy, and has been with some noteworthy programs (PSU and Baylor). Currently, is the associate head coach at Baylor.

Maybe someone has brought up his name previously, and I missed it, but he should certainly be a part of any conversation (albeit these are academic conversations).

102--and remember da lines to get inside??? Crazy choke with people, and lest I be remissed about giving props to all the u'i wahines back in the day--ladies--kudos. Good thing there was a special line for players....e.g. back door.

Kifi--who doesn't love the Hawaiian beverly hills, as my mom so aptly calls the area. Some bad boys, still remember meeting Bubba Puha back in Reno way back in the day. Shouts to my man Ray Butler as well....buggha could shoot.

Don't think Dino Babers' name will be on the table when or if the Hawaii HC position becomes available. He'll probably be gone long before that. Think Big XII, Big 10, or PAC 12. Salary if 1 million plus per year.

I do hope Mr. Hill does obtain the necessary grades to actually get to Manoa. If not, he might want to small ball it, and go to a place like Linfield. He would certainly tear it up, and be another in a long line of local standouts.I remember Kawika Ordenstein, from St. Louis was at New Mexico, and he got dismissed from school for beating this one track player up (I was in law school at the time) he still wanted to play ball, and went to Menlo and had a great time. Instead of his usual wide out position, he played DE/LB,.....

Sometimes, the big stadium can become a distraction. In any event, I wish Mr. Hill all the best.

108-Yes I remeber. Wasn't an athlete at UH but had good friends that were, and they would take us guys in. Fun times. LI ice teas was the drink of those days. Do they still make them nowdays? Alomst like my grandmother's drink of her day the Manhattan. Try ask for one of those. You'll be thrown out of the joint much like Clarence was from the movie It's a Wonderful Life...But I digress. Mooses was the bomb!

Kifi, one of my most favorite memories growing up, were going to Roosevelt to watch surf movies....tales from the tube. Yes, Curt, doesn't he have a PT place out Pearl City side?? And speaking of guys benching entire islands, one of my HS teammates, one of the many Aleaga's, but I am talking about Eddie, bruddha is one fierce strong sam. Only about 5-6 years ago, he yanked 688 pounds in the bench, and he was in his mid-40s. You gotta have a big lava-lava to get that kind of weight up.....

I wonder...how in the world did a picture like this get into ST's hands & into the WB? Of course, IF it had been taken at KS-H, it would've been high-res & sharp! I hope you were able to interest many of the natives to apply via your recruitment efforts, please come back again, I'll spring for a Hawaiian Style Cafe, Osaka's, Ken's, or KG breakfast! And mahalo for your info about Doug & the Oxy Tigers...not easy for the SCIAC schools to recruit for football.

Take care back East...winter's coming, Hilo mornings are about 62 degrees now, time to wear long pants to school!

130...KSK parent, yep: all 4 of our children boarded from 7th-grade & graduated, I'm '65, on KS-H staff. Knowing your ties to the NE, my brother lived in a small Conn. 'hamlet' called Mansfield Center. I visited him during winter my senior year in college & had one of the best Christmases ever, the kind of holiday stuff you read of in sunny Hawai'i: horse-drawn sleighs w/ carolers, cutting your own Christmas tree, fireplace going all day, warm Congregational churches, stashing your beer on the outdoor patio to chill it, visiting Boston & soaking in the history all around you, &, of course, New Haven, New London, etc.

If we gonna fire Chow needs to be done now! We need to get the new coach in place and get him recruiting...If we keeping him for what ever reason we need to get Kaumayer out and begin the search for new DC and OC before all the good ones get snatched up. Would still like to see Rolo come back as OC

I don't even know what that statement means, these are Manu's kids. His younger brother is Zach, and played fullback for the huskies. The person you refer to is distant cousin,thus it is not only factual incorrect, but its' rather maligned to conflate both parties.

Is TK a Mormon also? Who are the others on the coaching staff who are Mormons also? Is this why we are caught in a pickle? Is there a law that says this kind of thing cannot be disclosed And what about BJ and ST himself?

I would also like to say sean schroders deep passes though were it had a lot of air under it was very accurate and always in a place his receiver could at least go up and get it. Best Deep passing percentage since Colt Brennan.

yea.. guess we all have to admit.. coach chow is a good evaluator
oh personnel there.. SS had a very difficult time first half of season..
throwing passes while on the turf... n the OL gave him the time
to show his stuff.. second part of season..was nice to see..

I don't think it was a coincidence that the offensive efficiency improved when Iosefa got back. 240# rbs picking up the blitz, helped ss tremendously. Not to mention the additional attention the 2nd and 3rd layers of the defense had to spend guarding the run.

Boo: thanks for the clip. May be d3 but dems some d1 hit right there! Go Cats!

135, Thank you. I am a winner, although it is sometimes luck, I do work hard, prepare & practice. Funny how I make a manti reference & you mention class, but in the same breath you can try to compare me to someone else. STFU Very few on this blog have class. Everyone talks shit about someone one way or another. Again STFU